What if I Miss My Medigap Deadline?

If you have missed your Medicare Supplement initial enrollment period when you are first eligible for Medicare Part B, you might think, “I’m out of luck.” But that’s not always the case. There are a few options for those of you that may have not enrolled in a Medicare Supplement plan (Medigap) on your first go. If you do not yet know your deadlines, check our Deadline Calculator.

This article was updated on March 25, 2019 to reflect new information

What if I Miss My Medigap Deadline?

There’s a few things you can do if you miss the Medigap deadline during your initial enrollment period (usually a 6 month period starting the first day of your birth month). Here’s a list of them:

Next Steps if you Miss Your Medigap Deadline

As you can see above, there are several times you can apply for a Medigap plan. First thing you will want to do is contact Senior65’s independent insurance sales agents at 800-930-7956. We are experts at finding the right plan based on your health and financial needs.

Reader Comments and Questions

I need more information quickly to possibly change my supplement. I renewed with AARP yesterday. My birthday is 4/47.

Barbara,
We recently left you a message on the phone regarding your case. If you signed up for Medicare when first available you can usually switch Medigap plans during the first 6 months. If you signed up after you turned 65 the rules are different. Often times you have 63 days to switch but there are many exceptions including state specific laws. Give us a call to discuss your case.
-Chris from Senior65.com

By Eugene on February 24, 2018

I have a older brother i am trying to help. He is a member of a recognized Indian tribe, Age 71 and has never had a supplemental policy. Is he still able to get a one no matter his health. He lives in Kansas

Eugene,
There may be some specific benefits he has access to by being a member of a recognized Indian tribe. You will want to check with www.medicare.gov for that.

In general, if his part B effective date was in the last 6 months then he could apply and be approved for a Medicare Supplemental plan regardless of his health condition. If not, it would probably mean that he would have to apply for a plan and answer health questions before approval. We can help him apply here at Senior65.com.
Hope that helps
-Chris from Senior65

By rowdy on December 07, 2016

Can you get seperate dental insurance or vision insurance if you are on medicare outside of the open enrollment ?

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